Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had more than just basketball on his mind after a big win in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Right after the Thunder’s 114-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gilgeous-Alexander took a moment to celebrate with his wife, Hailey Summers and their young son, Ares Alexander, at center court.
The special family moment was captured by SportsCenter and quickly went viral on social media. In the post, Gilgeous-Alexander is seen carrying Ares in his arms with a smile, clearly enjoying a tender moment after a long game. He later hugged Summers, and the love between them was obvious even in photos.
One clip showed Summers trying to get Ares to dribble a basketball by bouncing it in front of him. Instead of picking up the ball, the curious toddler wandered off, creating a lighthearted moment. In another short video, Ares finally made a move and chased after the ball, drawing smiles from those watching courtside.
Gilgeous-Alexander is currently in the spotlight for his incredible playoff performance. After struggling in the first half, he exploded with 20 of his 31 points in the second half to help lead the Thunder to a dominant win.
Meanwhile, the bond between Gilgeous-Alexander and his family has been a quiet yet powerful part of his journey. He and Summers, who played college soccer at Albany, recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Their son Ares just turned one in April.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) before the game against the Denver Nuggets.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) before the game against the Denver Nuggets.
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The couple keeps their relationship mostly private, but fans have caught glimpses through the occasional Instagram post.
As the Thunders prepare for Game 2, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance and leadership will be crucial. But for now, it’s the image of a young dad carrying his son after a huge win that’s leaving a lasting impression.